How Patient/Doctor Communication Apps Boost Patient Experience

As the healthcare industry continues to merge with the tech space, communication between doctors and patients is increasingly evolving as well, boosting the overall care experience. According to Research Now, a Texas based research group, 46 percent of healthcare professionals plan to introduce mobile apps into their practice in the next five years; 86 percent of professionals believe apps will increase their knowledge of their patients’ conditions, and an astounding 96 percent of health app users believe technology improves their own quality of life.

The patient/doctor relationship and care experience will continue to be improved with the increased development and use of health care apps in the following ways:

1. Patient information is available to doctors 24/7:

As health apps are able to track everything from diet to exercise to blood pressure and heartbeat, doctors are able to tap into their patients’ information at any given time. If needed, doctors can quickly and easily provide timely, relevant updates to their patient, and can make better decisions regarding their symptoms, condition and next steps.

2. Patients become partners with their doctors in their care:

With the use of health apps to record data points around care, medication, and test results, patients essentially become as knowledgeable as their doctor and providers. This empowers patients to play a larger role in their overall care experience, completely involved in all decisions for their wellbeing.

3. Apps allow for immediate feedback from patient to doctor:

After receiving care, patients can use health apps to immediately give feedback to doctors about their experience. Whether it is a quick rating score or a longer, more detailed feedback form, patients will feel valued if their doctor or healthcare company asks for and wants their feedback. As more patients provide regular feedback, doctors and organizations can utilize this information and data to provide a better long term care experience.

4. Apps can increase efficiency of patient treatment:

According to the Research Now group survey, nearly half of healthcare professionals believe apps can make treatment for patients more efficient, as they can provide more information, easily monitor patients’ health, and can engage more with their patients. This, in turn, allows doctors to make better (and more cost efficient) recommendations for immediate or long-term treatment.

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Spectra is a HIPAA compliant communication platform used by clinical teams, patients, and patients' family caregivers to share updates and coordinate treatment efficiently across great distances, in any organization.